Hidden in the blue Ridge

Southern Living, May 2003 by Vanhooser, Cassandra M

And that, says Jim Hoge, a local historian and the self-appointed mayor of Burke's Garden, is what makes this community so special. "I never get tired of looking at this land," the 87-year-old retired farmer says. "It changes every day, just like the dunes on a beach. It's got to be one of the most beautiful places on Earth."

For regional information contact the Heart of Appalachia Tourism Authority at 1-888-798-2386 or www.heartof appalachia.com.